Many visitors to Marrakesh spend most of their time losing themselves in the ancient medina.
This maze of narrow alleyways surrounded by red-hued walls, with Africa’s most famous square – Djemaa El Fna – at its heart, was made for walking.
To explore beyond the medina, you could take an environmentally friendly bike tour or hop in a ubiquitous yellow petit taxi to reach the Ville Nouvelle (new town) and stroll around the accessible avenues of neighborhoods such as Gueliz and Hivernage.
Pack a pair of comfortable shoes and get ready to explore the Red City. Here are our tips for getting around in Marrakesh.
Meander Around the Medina
Marrakesh’s medina is compact and car-free. Its jumble of skinny alleyways is perfect for idle wandering – discover ancient palaces showcasing Morocco’s finest decorative arts, and shop in the souqs (markets) and designer boutiques. However, be sure to watch out for scooters, carts, and the occasional donkey as you explore.
Download Maps.Me before you set off. If you get lost – and you probably will – asking a shopkeeper for directions is a good option. Local children may offer to guide you to your destination for a small tip.
In the Ville Nouvelle, the neighborhood of Gueliz – home to must-see sights such as Jardin Majorelle and Musée Yves Saint Laurent – is designed with broad boulevards and spacious sidewalks lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. However, the lack of shade means that walking can be challenging, particularly in summer.
Join the Locals in a Taxi
Ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, are not available in Marrakesh, but wallet-friendly petit taxis are everywhere. In theory, there’s no haggling as the fare is determined by the meter. However, often you’ll have to insist that the driver uses it, as many “forget” or claim it’s “broken” and quote inflated tourist fares. Therefore, be prepared to haggle hard or get out of the taxi.
It’s also not unusual for the taxi to pick up other passengers going in the same direction. To avoid confusion, it can be useful to write down the name and address of your destination to show the driver. Additionally, taxis rarely have change, so make sure you do.
If you’re in a group or going further afield – petits taxis stay within city limits – you can take a shared grand taxi that runs along specific routes. You can pay for all six seats if you’d like a private ride; just turn up at the taxi terminal and ask for a “place” to a specific destination.
Tour the City by Bike
This city’s pancake-flat terrain is bike-friendly; however, you need to be a confident rider to navigate the tumultuous traffic. Local companies offer two-wheel city tours and rent out good-quality bikes and helmets.
Hop into a Horse-Drawn Carriage
Old-school horse-drawn carriages, known as calèches, provide a leisurely way of seeing the sights, especially if you avoid the rush-hour traffic around 8am and 6:30pm. These carriages can accommodate up to five people, and the rate is around 200 MAD ($20) for a 60-minute ride; expect to pay more if heading to the Palmeraie – it’s best to fix the price in advance.
The green carriages gather between Djemaa El Fna and Koutoubia Mosque and around Jardin Majorelle. Be sure to check your horse’s leg for a SPANA tag, as this animal welfare charity microchips the horses to ensure they are well cared for.
Buses Are the Best Budget Option
The city buses are operated by Alsa, but they are not especially visitor-friendly and are often hot and overcrowded. However, riding the bus is budget-friendly; tickets cost 4 MAD ($0.40) and can be purchased on board – be sure to have small change handy.
Line 1 connects the medina to Gueliz, whereas line 10 goes to the train station and Bab Doukkla for the bus station. There’s also an airport shuttle for 30 MAD ($3) that runs every 20 minutes between 6am and 11:30pm. If you’ll be in Marrakesh for an extended period, consider the Alsa “Ikhlas Card” that offers 17% off fares.
Driving Around Marrakesh Isn’t Easy
Driving in Marrakesh can be chaotic with bumper-to-bumper traffic and drivers weaving between lanes without indicating, all while dealing with honking horns. You must also contend with wayward pedestrians, hordes of scooters, calèches, and donkey carts.
If you’re planning a road trip around Morocco, consider picking up your rental car when leaving the city. If you need to park in Marrakesh, choose accommodation with private parking, or look for spaces on the outskirts of the medina or in the Gueliz neighborhood close to public parking lots – using Waze can help navigate. Depending on the location, expect to pay around 50 MAD ($5) for 24-hour parking.
Some streets in Gueliz have pay-and-display parking meters, costing approximately 2 MAD ($0.20) per hour, although spaces fill up quickly. If you find street parking without a meter, a parking attendant known as a guardian typically expects around 3–5 MAD ($0.30–$0.50) to keep an eye on your car; remember to pay them when you leave.
Accessible Transportation in Marrakesh
While Marrakesh has limited accessible facilities, it is not entirely off-limits for travelers with mobility issues and a sense of adventure.
In the medina, wheelchair access can be challenging; however, neighborhoods like the upscale Hivernage and Gueliz are easier to navigate. Public buses and petits taxis are not wheelchair-friendly, but grands taxis are. Alternatively, arranging a private car and driver through your accommodation can be a good option.
This article was first published on April 5, 2021, and updated on December 3, 2023.
